Wildlife documentaries often depict hunts and the end of one animal’s life; it’s just the circle of life, after all. But the circle of life also includes the beautiful moment when a new life enters our planet – like this baby giraffe who takes its very first steps.
A New Arrival at The Wilds
On July 10, a male Masai giraffe calf was born at The Wilds, during an afternoon that guests will not soon forget. This birth marks a significant addition to the conservation efforts upheld by the facility.
First Steps Witnessed
Visitors on the Open-Air Safari Tour at The Wilds had the unique opportunity to witness the newborn calf’s very first attempts to stand and walk, a moment both delicate and powerful.
Mother and Calf Bond
The young calf has been staying close to his mother, Lulu, who is experiencing motherhood for the first time. Their bond is crucial for the calf’s development in the early days of his life.
Genetic Conservation Efforts
The birth results from a strategic breeding recommendation by the AZA’s Species Survival Plan aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity and health of the endangered Masai giraffe species.
Ongoing Care and Observation
The Wilds’ dedicated animal care team will keep a close watch on the calf’s progress, ensuring he receives the best possible care to thrive in his new environment.
Giraffes’ Silent Communication
Did you know giraffes communicate with each other using infrasound that’s too low for humans to hear? This allows them to coordinate over large distances silently.
A Patchwork of Patterns
No two giraffes have the same coat pattern. Like human fingerprints, each giraffe’s spots are unique, assisting them in camouflage and temperature regulation.
Tongue Twisters
A giraffe’s tongue can be as long as 21 inches! This adaptability helps them to reach and strip leaves from tall branches.
High Blood Pressure Heroes
Giraffes have naturally high blood pressure, which helps pump blood up their long necks to reach their brains. Their heart rate can ramp up to 170 beats per minute.
Calves Drop into the World
When giraffe calves are born, they drop about 6 feet to the ground from their standing mothers—a startling but effective way to start breathing.
Decaffeinated Sleepers
Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep in a 24-hour period, often taken in short naps that last just a few minutes each.
Built-in Sunscreen
Giraffe saliva contains compounds that act as natural sunscreen, protecting their tongues from sunburn as they feed on thorny acacia trees.
Navigating Neck Fights
Male giraffes, or bulls, perform a ritual called “necking” where they swing their necks at each other to assert dominance or win a mate.
The Misleading Water Myth
Contrary to popular belief, giraffes can go several days without water. They obtain most of their moisture from the leaves they eat, staying hydrated even in arid conditions.
The Floating Gallivant
Giraffes are one of the few animals that walk by moving both right legs forward, then both left legs—this gait is called “pacing” and provides them a floating appearance.
Longevity in the Wild
In the wild, giraffes have a lifespan of about 25 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 40 years due to better medical care and lack of predators.
Unique Among the Unique
The giraffe is the only mammal born with horns. These horns are covered with skin and fur and are called ossicones.
The Silent Giants
Giraffes rarely make noise, but they are capable of mooing, hissing, and even roaring under certain circumstances.
A Stroll Above the Clouds
Due to their height, giraffes often eat at levels that other herbivores cannot reach, effectively having meals above the tree line.
Guardians of the Savanna
As giraffes roam, their height gives them a broad view, serving as watchtowers for other animals against predators in the vast African savanna.
Baby Giraffe Takes Its First Ever Steps: Conclusion
Sometimes, we just need to take a minute to stop in our busy lives to appreciate this thing called life. What better way to do this than by appreciating the beautiful first few moments of this baby giraffe’s life?
Thank you for reading this story about the baby giraffe taking its first steps!
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